Author Interview: THE HEART OF THE PACK by Iris Sweetwater
The Heart of the Pack
The war between the pack and the coven are over in Olympia, but peace was hard won. The death of a brother and his betrayal still loom over those who survived like a ghost. New revelations and old flames make the Young brothers rethink every ideal they have ever had. This time, the battle that is raging can only be fought on the inside of the pack members. Who will win the heart of the pack?
Series: The Brothers of Fang | Genre: Paranormal Romance | Heat Level: PG-13/4 Hearts
Q&A with IRIS SWEETWATER
What makes () special or unique to you? Can you give us a little story behind the story?
The Heart of the Pack is actually the third book in my Brothers of Fang series. What I feel is completely unique about this series in general is that throughout, readers have the ability to get the perspective of every important character. I don’t show everything all at once, but the reader gets to dig inside the mind of each brother and the three heroines in the book as well. The reader can pick and choose who it is they connect with and achieve more insight unlike with books with limited point of views. I wanted to contrast the three brothers as well as the three women in every way possible while still bringing them together in the grand scheme of things.
Do you share any personality traits with either of the main characters?
I don’t think there is any escaping sharing traits with some of your characters. What readers might find interesting is that while Annalise is much like the woman I wish to be, I actually share many traits with the male lead, Isaiah. He has his heart in his sleeve, and he is always about principle and doing what is right regardless of the situation. He also is trying so hard not to be like his father before him. I can relate to him in so many ways.
What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
Making them realistic. Isiah and Roman were hard for me at first because they are loyal and caring men. They have strong emotions. I needed to figure out how they could be these strong alpha males and still have these emotions and express how they feel. I didn't want them to be too feminine, but I don't like my men so macho that they are not emotionally attractive. That middle ground is hard to find and hard to sell with some readers who prefer the big muscular man to control the woman.
How do you feel about e-books vs. print books and self-publishing vs. traditional publishing?
Even though the price is high, I much prefer print books. I have always wanted to buy a big house where I can have a large library. However, it is almost impossible for the modern author to get their physical books into bookstores. I hope to figure it out one day. As far as publishing, I much prefer self-publishing at the moment. I have heard so many horror stories of publishing companies scamming people and disappearing and that they do not even help with marketing. Essentially, all small and medium publishers seem to do is limit the author. However, when we are talking about large publishers such as Penguin or Little Brown and Co, still nothing can beat these. These get you in every book store in the country and get you movie deals. If I could score one of them I would be on cloud 9.
What story are you working on next, and what inspired it?
Following the completion of the Brothers of Fang series, I will be starting a series called Dark Time. Already in progress, this is a YA Fantasy but more on the mature end. So, think more Fallen or Vampire Academy. YA Fantasy has been a genre I have been writing since I was ten years old. It’s by far my favorite to read, and I want to see my name right there with Lauren Kate and Alyson Noel. This series will feature teens with super powers, other dimensions, and angels.
THE AUTHOR
Iris Sweetwater has been writing for most of her life, completing her first poems and short stories when she was only five years old. Writing has always been in her blood, and she also is a lover of reading. Her favorite genres to both read and write have always been fantasy and paranormal, ha She has worked in the writing industry in many capacities throughout her life including educating children in both journalism and Creative Writing. She hopes that she can inspire children the way she was inspired by her favorite authors and eventually become an author full time. Irish has always been a huge fan of JK Rowling, Holly Black, and Cassandra Clare.
